By the end of this month, New Hampshire will close its state-managed COVID-19 vaccination sites and demobilize most of its mobile vaccination teams.

“The effort over the last one and a half years to get our residents vaccinated has been an immense success,” Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement last week.

The state opened 11 fixed vaccination sites between December and January, and mobile vaccination teams grew to seven.

The state sites will close in Ashland, Berlin, Claremont, Concord, Keene, Laconia, Manchester, Nashua, Rochester, Salem and Stratham.

COVID-19 vaccines remain available through medical providers, pharmacies, urgent care centers and the three remaining mobile vaccination clinics.

The state closed its seven state managed COVID-19 testing sites on March 15 as cases of the virus dropped.

We all owe the men and women that worked at both the vaccination and testing sites a big thank you for their efforts over these past couple years. Without these testing and vaccination sites, many local residents would not have had access to these vital services.

All that said, we hope residents will continue to get their vaccinations, especially the third dose. The state – and nation – has made great headway in the fight against COVID-19, and to keep ahead of the curve and any new variants we must remain vigilant and cautious.

With spring just around the corner, it is important to still take precautions if you are feeling ill or if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.

We certainly heading in the right direction, and we must continue to move forward and completely put this pandemic in our rearview mirror.

And, even though mask requirements are gone, thumbs up to those who still choose to wear face coverings. While they may not be necessary in most situations, in crowds and certain circumstances, they may help prevent a surge. Remember, folks, it is a personal choice for some.

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